Remember that old phrase, “you are what you eat?” I don’t know about you, but I didn’t pay that phrase any mind. I couldn’t imagine that food could have that much power over the body and the mind. But as I’ve continued to grow and learn, I’m coming to terms with how much truth that statement conveys.
If you eat foods that nourish the mind and body, both your mind and body will be well. But if you eat foods that go against that, you set your mind and body up for just the opposite: un-wellness.
I recently read a study that was published in 2016 that discussed the link between sugary drinks and increased odds of depression. Most sugary drinks have about 41 carbs per 12 ounces – that number also represents the maximum number of carbs that the USDA recommends we consume in a day. That means one drink can max out your carb intake for the day, but who drinks just one?
In the study conducted in this journal article, their findings uncovered:
For every sugary drink consumed daily, the odds of depression increased by 5%.
If this is true, this could mean that for every 40-carb increment over the recommended daily intake, you potentially increase the risk of depression by 5%.
But what if you’re already depressed? How much more of an impact could this have on your mental state? Could this mean that every time you consume too much sugar, especially in response to a low mood or give in to a craving, that you’re further locking yourself into a vicious cycle? How can you break free?
This is even more reason why you’ve got to give it everything you got to reduce your sugar intake and avoid consuming more than 40 carbs per day.
Your mental health depends on it.
Aside from not adding extra sugar – here are some ways you can reduce sugar consumption:
- Avoid sweetened carbonated beverages
- Avoid fruit juices
- Avoid candy and pastries
- Take a break from fruit – even thought this is a healthier option than a candy bar, fruit still contains natural sugar
- Recognize that it’s not just plain sugar – starchy foods and wheat products convert to sugars, even if they don’t taste sweet to you.
Eliminate these foods or drastically reduce your consumption as soon as possible. It will take a few days to detox and you may feel worse before you feel better, but the mental clarity and lighter mood is worth it in the end.
If you’re struggling to keep your mind right and you want some help overcoming emotional eating, join us for the next Virtual 6 Week Boot Camp that starts January 8 @12PM ET. All sessions will be recorded.
For a limited time only, you can take advantage of the 4-Pay Plan (valid until 12/18/21) – visit this link for details: Boot Camp Payment Plan
Image credit:
Photo by Kristina Tripkovic on Unsplash
Journal Article Citation:
Burleson C, Anderson K, Copeland Z, Karcs C, Sullivan KL. Consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages
associated with increased odds of depression. Epidemiol Open J. 2016; 2(1): 1-6. doi:
Feel free to check out the journal article for yourself here: https://openventio.org/wp-content/uploads/Consumption-of-Sugar-Sweetened-Beverages-Associated-With-Increased-Odds-of-Depression-EPOJ-2-107.pdf